Eleanor and Park also has one of the most memorable, and most shared, YA covers (US edition) of 2013. It’s cute, and I’d seen a lot of people talk about how cute the story was, and how cute the romance was, and it was generally all rainbows (no pun intended!) and unicorns. I started the book expecting it to be cute, understandably, so I wasn’t prepared for how utterly moving and incredibly sad it was. Yet it seems obvious to me now because Eleanor & Park is authentic and realistic, right down to the teenage awkwardness and self-awareness that Rainbow Rowell is known for. I feel that most people love it because of the authentic way both teenagers interact. (Because even when Eleanor and Park are together, it’s so awkward that you feel like they’re not even enjoying being together). It’s not easy for them; it’s hesitant and uncomfortable and reluctant. We notice that Eleanor doesn’t enjoy visiting Park’s home, meeting his mother (who, by the way, reminds me of Mrs Kim from Gilmore Girls). But they push on anyway, trying not to let anxiety get in the way of the best thing that’s ever happened to them; trying to make it become easier. Yet Eleanor has one of the most awful, horrific lives at home that I’ve come across. She’s stuck with an abusive stepfather, who has already kicked her out of the house once before, living in a tiny room with the rest of her siblings. It’s difficult to imagine it being a reality, but it is for some people – the abuse, the lack of clean clothing, privacy and food. Eleanor and Park’s romance is a shining beacon in contrast to the dysfunctional, damaging relationship that her mother and stepfather have and we love them because they know it’s still not going to be easy.